September 2025

Chris Johnson Audiobooks Picks:

James: a novel by Percival Everett (2024) 

This novel reimagines Twain’s Huck Finn story, and makes the enslaved Jim, now known as James, the protagonist of the tale where he and Huck are on the run together. The novel explores implicit bias and race as a social construct and entertains the reader as it examines the horrifying reality of slavery.

Available on Playaway and downloadable from Libby, Palace and in Spanish on hoopla.

The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley (2020) 

In this clever and heartwarming tale, set in London, the reader discovers how a green notebook will tie together the lives of six strangers. In doing so, the book explores the themes of truth, friendship and how we define family.

Available to download on Libby and Palace.

Laura’s Pick:

The incandescent by Emily Tesh (2025)

Just in time for back-to-school, a dark academia story written from the perspective of a boarding school teacher. Doctor Walden is the Director of Magic, and in between teaching A-levels, leading meetings (so many meetings), and grading homework (so much homework), she also protects the school from demonic incursions. The biggest threat to the school, however, may be herself.

John’s Albums/Movies Picks:

The 30^th Anniversary Concert Celebration by Bob Dylan (1993)

A double live album commemorating the career of Bob Dylan (up to that point) that was recorded the previous year at Madison Square Garden.  The concert features members of Booker T. and the M.G.’s as the house band and contains a large catalog off Dylan’s songs performed by a variety of artists including Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Tom Petty and Johnny Cash.  Dylan himself also performs at the end of the concert both as a solo artist and with the entire ensemble.  The album was reissued in 2014 with two additional rehearsal tracks.

Mission Impossible (1996)

An action spy film directed by Brian De Palma and based on the 1966 television series of the same name with Tom Cruise starring as agent Ethan Hunt.  In the film, Hunt must clear his name after he is framed for the murder of most of his team.  The first in the Mission: Impossible film series, the movie has evolved into one of the biggest cinema franchises of all time as well as Tom Cruise’s signature role.

The Accountant (2016)

Directed by Gavin O’Connor, this action thriller stars Ben Affleck as Christian Wolff, an autistic certified public accountant who works with dangerous criminal organizations around the world.  The film also stars Anna Kendrick, J.K. Simmons and Jon Bernthal in supporting roles.   A sequel was released in April 2025.

Lauren’s Pick:

Daindreth’s Assassin by Elisabeth Wheatley (2021)  

Amira is a sorceress cursed to obey any command given by her father, who has turned her into his assassin. Her newest target is the archduke who is betrothed to her sister. When Amira fails to kill him, the archduke shocks them all by asking for her hand instead. But along with her hand, Daindreth gains control of her curse. It is then Amira learns that he is also cursed, and that she might be the key to breaking it. If she helps him break his curse, he agrees to help free her too. Available as a downloadable eBook and eAudiobook from hoopla.

Ms. Jenna's Back to School Children's Books Picks:

Today at School: With Yesterday and Tomorrow by Jessica Young (2025) 

(Recommended for ages 4 to 8 years old.)

This is a heartwarming tale perfect for the beginning of the school year. Yesterday and Tomorrow are siblings with very different personalities that are experiencing their first day of school together. As their differences start to cause some issues, they meet a new friend named Today, who provides some much needed perspective to the siblings. 

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold (2018)

(Recommended for ages 4 to 8 years old.)

This colorful picture book is an instant classic that deserves to be read at the beginning of every school year. The story follows a diverse group of students as they navigate through their school day. Author Penfold stresses the importance of creating an inclusive community where kindness is key and differences are celebrated in the classroom setting.